Just ten minutes’ drive from Banff town is the stunning lake known as Lake Minnewanka. The lake, which is 142 meters deep and 21 kilometers long, provides hydroelectric power for Banff. Walking or taking a boat ride on Lake Minnewanka is one of the best things to do in Banff National Park.
It’s a popular spot for hiking, picnics, and canoeing in the summer. During the winter season, Lake Minnewanka transforms into one of the most magnificent ice skating rinks globally.
All year long, the mountains that loom over Lake Minnewanka are breathtaking. Yes, and directly beneath the lake is a ghost town that is part of a Canadian resort! Continue reading for a useful travel guide to Lake Minnewanka.
A Handbook for Traveling to Lake Minnewanka
A big glacial lake called Lake Minnewanka is located three miles (five kilometers) from Banff town. Long at 21 kilometers (13 miles), and deep at 142 meters (466 feet), is Lake Minnewanka. Popular activities in the area include hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, picnicking, and diving.
The original Lake Minnewanka shoreline has been used for hunting and camping for more than a century.
The lake was revered and feared by the native Stoney Nakoda First Nations people, who gave it the name Minn-waki (Lake of the Spirits). Later, Devil’s Lake would be the name given by early European settlers.
The largest body of water in Banff National Park exudes a tangible magic. To add to its mystique, a ghostly resort town still stands on the lake floor.
The forests surrounding Lake Minnewanka are home to a diverse range of wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, bears, wolves, elk, and abundant birdlife. The drive to the lake and its shoreline is a good bet if you want to see some of the park’s well-known wildlife.
One of our favorite spots to unwind on a summer evening in Banff is Lake Minnewanka. This is especially simple because there are lots of picnic areas and a short walking trail.
So grab some takeout and come here to eat while taking in the view of the surrounding wilderness. If leisure isn’t your main objective, guests at Lake Minnewanka can engage in a variety of activities on or near the lake.
The Minnewanka Lake History
Lake Minnewanka has a long history with humans; artifacts from 13,000 years ago have been discovered on its shores. It is thought that for millennia, people have lived along its coast. The Stoney Nakoda language is where the name Minnewanka originates.
Because one of the first resorts in Banff National Park was situated along its banks, Minnewanka’s history is inextricably linked to that of the park itself. More than a century ago, Calgarians who stayed at Minnewanka landing used the Lake as a summer getaway.
The most famous was the 1886 construction of the Beach House, a wood-log hotel that sparked the growth of a resort community. The town expanded over time to include four avenues, dozens of cottages, lodging facilities, dining establishments, and several sailing businesses that offered trips on Lake Minnewanka to visitors.
The Calgary Power Company constructed a dam in 1912 as a result of rising electricity demand in the 20th century, flooding a portion of the resort town. Still, the resort remained open until 1941. A new dam was constructed in Calgary when the Second World War broke out and the city’s need for power for manufacturing increased. The lake level rose by 96 feet as a result of the new dam, completely submerging the resort and permanently changing the surrounding area.
This is a unique dive site because the water is icy glacial, which has kept most of the resort town intact. Up to 8,000 divers visit Lake Minnewanka every year to witness the underwater resort thanks to the diving there.
When Is Lake Minnewanka The Greatest Time To Go?
Although Lake Minnewanka is officially open all year round, summertime is the ideal time to visit if you want to fully enjoy the lake. The best time to experience Lake Minnewanka is from June to October. The lake tours and boat docks open for business by mid-June.
This time of year is ideal for visiting until early October, when things start to get shady with the arrival of snow. You can enjoy all that Lake Minnewanka has to offer in full during the summer.
The lake is frozen and completely covered in a thick layer of snow or ice during the winter months in Lake Minnewanka.
The end of April marks the unfreezing of Lake Minnewanka, which freezes every year around December. The lake freezes for a brief period of time during the winter, but before the snow covers the ice, it’s still a great place to go ice skating in Banff.
How to Drive to Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is very easy to reach by car. If you’re heading to Banff from Calgary, you should take the “Banff/Lake Minnewanka Loop” exit. Just past the park gates on Highway 1 is where you’ll find this. If you are approaching from Canmore, the turn will be to your right.
Two Jack Lake and Cascade Pond will be marked with signs. To get to Lake Minnewanka, simply continue driving after you turn onto the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Route Drive. Along the route, you’ll pass Two Jack Lake campground and Two Jack Lake as well as a turnoff for Johnson Lake.
Since the western portion of the road is a wildlife corridor, it is closed in the winter. The eastern portion of the road will only be passable during the winter. The entire loop is accessible to cars during the summer.
Please be aware of cyclists on the road when operating a vehicle.
Accessing Lake Minnewanka through Public Transportation
During the summer, Roam Transit provides bus service to Lake Minnewanka. Every thirty minutes, Route 6 departs from downtown Banff and travels to the lake in about twenty-five minutes.
The first bus of the seven days that this service runs leaves at 8 a.m. Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lakeside Campground, Two Jack Main Campground, Two Jack Day Use Area, Lake Minnewanka Lookout, and lastly, Lake Minnewanka are some of the places you’ll stop along the route. Usually, service begins in late May and ends in late September.
Adults pay $2, while seniors and younger people pay $1. Pets in crates and strollers are welcome on board. Every Roam bus is accessible to wheelchair users.
Additional Ways to Travel to Lake Minnewanka
Riding a bike is one of the best ways to get to Lake Minnewanka if you don’t have a car or want to take the bus. Cycling on the Lake Minnewanka Loop Road is highly recommended. We especially enjoy riding the Legacy Trail from Canmore because it has an underpass that allows bikes to exit the Legacy Trail and cross the Trans Canada.
This leads to Lake Minnewanka after passing Cascade Ponds and Two Jack Lake. Going this way involves a slight climb up to Two Jack, but after that it’s all downhill and incredibly fun and cruisey. The Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive is roughly 13 kilometers long. A few summertime rides on this are something I really enjoy doing!
Parking at Lake Minnewanka
At Lake Minnewanka, there are two sizable parking lots, one of which is specifically designed for trucks towing boat trailers. Finding a spot isn’t too difficult on an average day, but during the summer, the lot fills up quickly. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. are the peak times. During these hours, you can still visit, but parking will be difficult.
But there are a few ways you can get to the lake quickly. The Roam Transit (route 6) will take you to the lake; you can park at the Banff Train Station or the Minnewanka Park & Ride.
In addition, Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, and Cascade Ponds are on the bus route. Adult rides cost $2, while children’s rides cost $1. Only during the summer, from May 19 to approximately September 15 (depending on the season), does the bus run.
Is Admission to Lake Minnewanka Free?
Lake Minnewanka is free to visit with the purchase of a National Parks Pass.
You can purchase a Parks Canada pass at any park gate, and the entrance to Banff National Park is just before Lake Minnewanka. Alternatively, Parks Canada passes can be pre-purchased online. For just $145.25 per family, a family can purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which grants access to all Parks Canada locations for the year.
Given that day passes cost $10.50 per person, you might want to think about getting the Discover Pass if you intend to visit Banff and how many days you are staying.
Boating on Lake Minnewanka
On Lake Minnewanka, you have a lot of options for boating: canoes, motorboats, kayaks, and even stand-up paddleboards. Visit Lake Minnewanka if you’re looking for a challenge or want to go canoeing on open water.
The large lake is famous for its “swells,” which happen when the wind picks up more force. Expert paddlers can arrange multi-day camping excursions alongside the lake using their personal canoes.
Since Minnewanka is the only lake in the park that permits motorized boats in addition to kayaks and double kayaks, Pursuit manages the boat launch, which also offers small motorboat rentals. Every rental includes all required gear, including gas for the motorboat.
However, since personal watercraft are permitted and the lake has a boat launch, you are not required to rent a boat, canoe, or kayak. But on the lake, jet skis and sea doos are not allowed.
The only prerequisite is that nothing that could harm the ecosystem of the lake, like algae or mussels, should be present on the boat. Any boat entering Alberta or British Columbia must also have undergone a provincial inspection within the previous 30 days.
Take a Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Take a lake cruise operated by the Pursuit Collective, which is one of the most well-liked things to do on Lake Minnewanka. The one-hour panoramic cruise departs from Lake Minnewanka and travels to Devil’s Gap.
Nestled within a mountain amphitheater, this unique natural feature overlooks the plains of Alberta to the east. You can count on breathtaking views of the mountains as you sail over the emerald-green water.
For the best deal, consider getting the Banff Jasper Collective’s Banff Explorer Pass, which includes the Banff Gondola, Columbia Icefield Adventure – Including Skywalk, Maligne Lake Cruise, and the Golden Skybridge. You can purchase individual tickets for the Lake Minnewanka cruise. Cruises on Lake Minnewanka begin in mid-May (exact date TBD) and run through October of the following year, 2024.
The Lake Minnewanka Beer Voyage Cruise is a summertime favorite for beer lovers. Every day at 5 p.m., this 90-minute cruise lets visitors enjoy locally brewed craft beers while admiring the scenery. Two guests may sample up to four beers in total, and any unopened cans they choose not to drink can be taken home. If driving to and from Lake Minnewanka will be impacted, you might want to think about using public transportation.
Fishing on Lake Minnewanka
You can rent a chartered boat from businesses like Banff Fishing Unlimited or Pursuit, or you can fish the lake alone. Although the boat charter is somewhat costly, they are familiar with all the best fishing spots in the area. You must have a Park Pass fishing permit and be aware of the most recent regulations in order to fish in the park.
This shows you are aware of the park’s fishing restrictions and are able to recognize the different types of fish. Fishing with live bait is not permitted in the park.
Children under 16 can fish with an accompanied pass, but the amount they catch counts against the daily limit set by the permit holder. Please check Park Canada’s website for the most recent fishing information, as it varies depending on the season.
Is Camping Allowed at Lake Minnewanka?
Two Jack Lake Main Campground and Two Jack Lakeside Campground are the closest front country campgrounds to Lake Minnewanka. You must make reservations in advance for these locations because they are some of the most well-liked campgrounds in Banff. They almost immediately fill up when reservations open.
The Two Jack Lake Lakeside Campground is a great option if you can secure a campsite because the lakeshore is just a short stroll away.
Hiking Around Lake Minnewanka
Around Lake Minnewanka, there are lots of fantastic hiking trails. You can go on short walks beside the lake, hike up the nearby Mt. Alymer, go up the Mt. Alymer Lookout, or plan a multiday backpacking excursion.
C-Level Cirque is one of our favorite hikes in the area. which offers breathtaking views of the Bow Valley and Lake Minnewanka and is a pleasant challenge.
Can You Take a Walk Around Minnewanka Lake?
The Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail circles Lake Minnewanka for approximately 8 km after leaving the parking lot. It offers great views of the lake and experiences some elevation gain and decline.
Still, a lot of people use this trail, particularly in July and August. Go there in June to avoid the crowds. If you enjoy trail running, you should definitely check out the lakeside trail!
